February 26, 2009

KC

KC Sunshine is definitely living up to her name. It is very difficult to get her in the house once she has gone outside. She will sit in the yard and eat the grass, sticks, the kid's pitchback, poop, and anything else she can get her teeth into. Forget the fact that we have spent money on chew toys, treats, and rawhide. That's beside the point...KC Sunshine has turned out to be a cutie pie, so far. This is what she looks like when we call her to come back inside.
"Duh...are you kidding me? I'm not coming back in. I'm looking at you, but pretending I'm deaf."


"Nope, now I'm totally ignoring you and I think I heard something. I wonder what it tastes like?"

"Yes, I most definitely heard something! But, I don't see it yet."


Now, KC is not liked by everyone. Take Lucy, for instance. Every chance KC gets, she bites Lucy's thick, luscious, Chow-Chow tail. As you can see, Lucy is not lovin' the pup. And, as you can tell, KC can't wait to play with that tail.
"Help me, please! I'm dying a thousand deaths here."


Despite the pooch monster animosity, the kids love on KC all the time. I think KC loves this second to being outside. The kids better enjoy being able to pick her up while they can. Pretty soon, KC girl will be too big.
"I love you too, Risa, but I'd rather be outside. No offense."

February 25, 2009

Coyotes On The Loose

Our park has coyotes! There was another attack last night. Someone walking their dogs was attacked. An old horse farm is at the top of the swell. I think since there is not much activity, the coyotes have taken refuge. I didn't realize this when I sent Tony out with the pup the other evening. Fortunately, he walked the pup by the elementary school and not the park. Oops! What kind of mom am I? Obviously, not an observant one...

Anyway, I took the dogs for a walk at the park this morning. It was eerily quiet. I was actually spooked. It was like a scene from a Stephen King book: abandoned horse farm; quiet pond with a couple dozen Canadian geese, Mallards, and Loons; and, me and my two dogs. I kept looking behind me, peering over the wire fences at the horse stalls, picking up the pace by a shed of some sort. Creepy! Then, Broomfield's wildlife control pickup drove up, so I didn't feel so alone.

The dogs are tired out, and I'm trying to get organized. I need to come to grips with alot of stuff. It is Ash Wednesday afterall....

February 20, 2009

Words Of Wisdom

My mom had this article in a box that I found when I was going through some of her things. Amazingly, it sounds just like her.

"Go placidly amid the noise and haste and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant; they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself. Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is perennial as the grass. Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it shoud. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul. With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy."

Found in Old Saint Paul's Church,Baltimore: Dated 1692.

February 19, 2009

Too Many Phone Calls

...from home. I guess Marisa and Tony are perched on the porch waiting for me to come home. I get phone calls daily in an effort on their part to settle any differences. My question....where's your Dad or Grandma? And, who's watching the puppy? Is anyone picking up the poop in the backyard or doing laundry or HOMEWORK even?

Everyday here in Texas, I'm busy cleaning out old documents, opening up new bank accounts, clearing past statements, probating things, sorting, setting up online banking, crying, smelling all of Mom's colognes and cold creams that she used to use, sitting in her closed just to be saturated with her, looking at old pictures, driving Dad around town, grocery shopping, making trips to the post office, doing Braums runs, organizing, writing thank you cards, answering emails, etc. etc.

So, to my kids, I love you dearly and hang in there. I'll be home soon enough. Then, you will wish I stayed in Texas........Muah!

February 16, 2009

Normalizing Or Getting Into A Routine

Which is it? A little of both? Only time will tell. Dad and I went to church yesterday. This was an awesome experience for him. He was welcomed and consoled. The people were so nice and compassionate. I sent my family back to Colorado yesterday. Tony got his braces on today. Marisa has golf tryouts tomorrow. I'll be hanging out in Texas awhile longer to help Dad "normalize" or "get into a routine". He had his IVIG treatment this morning. I started with the thank you cards. We have a few items of business still with the funeral home. I'll spare the details here.

When I get home, be assured, I'll organize my finances and "important papers". Pronto!

February 13, 2009

Prayer Service

Today was the prayer service for my mom. It was a very nice, intimate service, just like she would want. The day was great weather. Afterwards, family came to the house and we ate, talked, laughed, shared, cried, and just enjoyed being together.

Now, my nephews are upstairs either helping Marisa with some math homework or sleeping. I haven't checked on them for awhile, but it's really, really quiet.

Tomorrow I need to get thank you cards for all folks who sent flowers and food. We are truly blessed. My mom had alot of friends that loved her as much as family did. I miss her already, but I talk with her daily. No one seems to mind, I guess they do it too.

February 10, 2009

Ruth Benge McDowell

On February 10, 2009, Ruth Benge McDowell passed away. Ruth was born to James Elmer and Susie Izora Benge in Texas. She grew up in Palestine, Texas. As a young adult, Ruth moved to Dallas, Texas where she met James Edwin McDowell. They married on March 17, 1957 in Durant, Oklahoma. Ruth and Jim raised two children in Pantego, Texas.

Ruth’s greatest loves were her family, friends, and golf. She belonged to the Shady Valley Golf Club where she was a member of the Women’s Golf Association. In 1967, she was President of the Volunteers of America Auxiliary. Ruth was also a member of the Park Row Church of Christ in Arlington, Texas. She was most proud when her entire family worshipped together and her husband was baptized summer 2008.

Ruth enjoyed visits from her grandchildren every summer. Everyone remembers her as a kind and giving lady. She loved fresh flowers, soft colors, and warm sunshine and lots of it. Ruth was preceded in death by her parents; brother Lellon Benge; nephew Mike Benge; and, sister-in-law Claudine McDowell. She is survived by her husband of nearly 52 years; daughter Angie Garza and husband Dan of Broomfield, Colorado; son Jase McDowell and wife Heather of Trophy Club, Texas; grandchildren Marisa, Parker, Tony, Jaron, and Madison; brother Oran Benge and wife Adelle of Palestine, Texas; and numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

February 8, 2009

Between The Numbers

I love reading Janet Evanovich books, especially the Stephanie Plum series. My mom and I take turns buying the newest release each summer. Now Janet has the "between the numbers" series. I'm just as stuck on those as the actually "numbers". I'm now reading Plum Spooky. I love the two men in her life, Morelli and Ranger. These "between the numbers" series has a new guy: Deisel. He's just as interesting, but more of a bum-type. Anyway, this how I'm passing the time at the hosptial. I'll read the funny bounty-hunting antics to Mom. I can tell this amuses her, too. Thanks Stephanie Plum, and sidekick Lula, for the laughs!

February 6, 2009

Making My Way Back To Texas

Mom started on a morphine drip yesterday. I'll be in Texas until whenever. My mother-in-law is coming to help Danny care for the kids. We are so appreciative.

When I was in Texas 2 weeks ago, I attended a funeral service for my BFF Linda's dad. I learned this morning that my BFF Jayme's dad passed away yesterday from esophageal cancer. I guess we are at that age...

February 4, 2009

The Taxman Cometh...

...and taketh away. We owe this year. What was the point of the "stimulus" check when we have to give it back? Crap!

February 1, 2009

Meet KC Sunshine Garza

We went to the Longmont Humane Society for a new dog. We found the perfect little puppy. She is an American Bulldog/Rottweiler/German Shepherd mix. They say she is only 8 weeks old, but I think she is actually younger. Lucy wasn't too thrilled to have a baby sister. She whined and cried and ran away from the puppy. Lucy is also afraid of Tony's dwarf hamster, Petey.

We took the puppy home, walked her and Lucy together before entering the house, and then went to the backyard to romp and play.

Can't tell you how much money we spent just on dang toys!

After playing outside, the baby got a bath for the first time. She absolutely hated it! But now she has our smell.

Then she fell asleep on Tony's chest while he layed on the kitchen floor. It was so cute. I wonder if the crate is even going to be used?!?

How did we come up with her name? We drew names. I wanted Olive or Teensy. Marisa chose Marley or Copper. Danny chose Loki or Loki (yea...some imagination). Tony chose Misty or Kacey.


Kacey won! But, now we had to come up with an agreement as to spelling for her collar tags. Marisa didn't want 'Kacey' because it reminded her of Kacey Novak on Law and Order. I didn't want 'Kacey' because of Joe Walsh's Rocky Mountain Way song. Danny broke out into singing "that's the way, uhuh, uhuh, I like it, uhuh, uhuh." And so, Kacey became KC with a middle name of Sunshine. Tada!